Box Truck Sizes: Comparing Length, Volume & Payload

Box trucks (also called cube or straight trucks) have a rectangular cargo box mounted directly on the truck chassis behind the cab. They are the workhorses of logistics, used for local deliveries, moving household goods, and regional freight transport. Box truck sizes vary greatly: typical lengths range from about 10 feet up to 26 feet in length, resulting in a wide span of cargo volumes and weight capacities. For example, a small 10′ box truck might offer around 400 cubic feet of space, whereas a large 26′ truck can provide over 1,600 cubic feet of cargo volume and carry 10,000–12,000 lbs of payload.

Below, we break down the common size categories, dimensions, and capacities of box trucks to help you determine which type best fits your needs.

Common Box Truck Sizes & Dimensions (Chart)

Box trucks are typically classified by length (and corresponding weight class). For practical purposes, most standard box truck sizes fall into three groups: light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty. Light-duty box trucks are usually around 10–16 ft long (Class 2–3 vehicles with GVWR up to ~14,000 lbs). Medium-duty box trucks range roughly 16–26 ft in length (Class 4–6, up to ~26,000 lbs GVWR). Heavy-duty box trucks are those that exceed 26 ft or 26,000 lbs GVWR (Class 7–8) – these often require a commercial license to operate. Common U.S. box truck lengths include 10′, 15′, 16′, 17′, 22′, and 26′.

Below is a box truck size chart comparing these common sizes by their interior dimensions, cargo volume, and payload capacity:

Choosing the Right Box Truck for Your Needs

• Assess volume vs. payload: Calculate your cargo volume (ft³) and weight. A 26′ truck has roughly 4× the volume of a 10′ truck. But heavier payloads require larger trucks: e.g., a 10′ truck carries only ~2,850 lbs, whereas a 26′ can handle over 12,800 lbs. Choose a truck size that can accommodate both the bulk and the weight of your load.
  
• Match to use-case: Small local deliveries or studio moves → 10–14′ trucks. Medium moves (apartment or small office) → 16–22′ trucks. Large home moves or big equipment → 26′ trucks.In general, use smaller trucks for lighter, shorter routes and large trucks for big loads or whole-house moves.
  
• Check height and width: Most box trucks are about 8 feet wide, which is standard for road lanes. Height varies by model (~6–8′ interior height), which translates to roughly 9–13′ total exterior height from the ground for small vs. large trucks. Taller interior ceilings make it easier to stack pallets or furniture. If you need to fit very tall items (large wardrobes, commercial equipment, etc.), opt for a truck with a higher interior clearance. Also be mindful of the truck’s overall height for bridge and overpass clearances – for instance, a 26′ box truck is about 12.5 ft tall on the outside
  
• Licensing and regulations: In general, trucks above 26 ft (or Class 7–8, over 26,000 lbs GVWR) require a commercial driver’s license. Many 26′ trucks are Class 6 (up to 26,000 lbs) and may not require a CDL. Always verify local laws.
  

Box Truck Use-Cases by Size

• 10–14 ft (Light Duty): Best for local deliveries, small retail shipments, or 1–2 room moves. U-Haul notes that 10′ trucks are commonly used for studio or 1BR moves, fitting a king bed, loveseat, and other small furniture. Cargo vans (~10 ft) also fall in this class.
  
• 15–17 ft (Medium Duty): Good for 2–3 bedroom homes or larger retail loads. For example, a 15′ truck comfortably holds a washer/dryer, sofa, dining set and more. A 17′ truck has ~865 cu.ft. to move larger apartments. These trucks often have loading ramps and lower decks for heavier items.
  
• 22–24 ft (Larger Medium Duty): Suited for 3–4 bedroom houses or commercial deliveries. The interior (~1,200 cu.ft.) and 10,000-lb capacity allow moving full apartment contents or bulky equipment. Many local movers and delivery fleets use 22–24′ trucks for regional routes.
  
• 26 ft (Heavy-Duty): Largest commonly rented size. With ~1,682 cu.ft. and over 12,800-lb payload, it handles 4–5 bedroom moves, business inventory shifts, or construction loads. U-Haul’s 26′ “Super Mover” is meant for whole-house moves. Because of its size, some uses (like large tractor units) may require CDL.
  

Box Truck Market Outlook (2023–2030)

The box truck industry is experiencing notable growth. According to Cognitive Market Research, the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% from 2023 to 2030. This steady expansion is driven by increasing demand across several sectors, particularly e-commerce, retail, and urban logistics.

Key market trends include:

• Rise of Electric & Hybrid Trucks: Manufacturers are introducing more electric and hybrid box trucks, reflecting a shift toward sustainability and fuel efficiency in transportation. Many companies are starting to adopt electric box trucks for local deliveries as a way to cut fuel costs and meet environmental regulations.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Stricter emissions rules and corporate sustainability goals are pushing fleets to go greener. This means older diesel box trucks are gradually being replaced by cleaner alternatives. Governments are also incentivizing eco-friendly commercial vehicles, accelerating the adoption of electric box trucks as a fast-growing segment.
• E-Commerce Boom: The explosion of online shopping has increased demand for reliable last-mile delivery solutions. Box trucks hit a sweet spot – they offer much more space than a van but are easier to maneuver in neighborhoods than a semi-trailer. As e-commerce continues growing, so does the need for medium-sized delivery trucks to get orders to customers’ doorsteps efficiently.
• Urban Delivery Growth: Cities are expanding, and urban congestion is a challenge. Box trucks are increasingly favored for inner-city freight because they can navigate tight streets while still carrying a substantial load. In dense urban areas, smaller box trucks (under 26′) can often perform deliveries that larger 18-wheelers cannot, helping to solve the “last mile” problem in logistics.

Overall, the outlook confirms that box trucks will remain a vital part of modern supply chains. We can expect to see continued innovation in this space – from better fuel economy and electric drivetrains to smarter telematics, all aimed at making box trucks more efficient and cost-effective for businesses.

Conclusion

Selecting the right box truck size comes down to balancing the volume of cargo and the weight of that cargo for your specific needs. A good approach is to slightly overestimate – choose a truck that is big enough to handle a little more than what you plan to carry, so you’re not cramming it full or risking overloading. For small moves or deliveries, a light-duty truck in the 10–16 ft range will be most efficient. Larger home moves and heavy loads will require a 22–26 ft truck to get the job done in one trip. By carefully considering your cargo (both its bulk and its weight), you can ensure you choose the most efficient box truck size for the task at hand.